Locking tabs for roll stock stacking support

ABSTRACT

A support for receiving and supporting stacked tiers of roll stock. The support can be either located below a first tier of the roll stock, placed between tiers of roll stock, or secured above the top tier, all to provide a stacked arrangement of the roll stock that is especially suited for storage or transport. Interlocking tabs and notches and interfitting registration locks are provided so that intermediate layers can use back-to-back roll supports that have been securely joined together. The roll support is preferably formed from a strong, flexible, thermoformable resinous polymeric plastic material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to improvements in support cradles useful forthe stable support of roll stock, including, for example, improvedsupport cradles used in the support of cylindrical rolls of paper or thelike.

BACKGROUND

“Roll stock” is a term that is used in various industries to describecylindrical rolls or tubular rolls of an elongate, thin material thatmay be advantageously stored and shipped by winding the elongatematerial into a multilayer, wound or rolled generally cylindricalconfiguration. Such items include paper products, plastic film products,thin gauge metals, roofing sheets, and various other thin, elongatestrips of materials.

Many cylindrical or tubular shaped rolls are packed on pallets forstorage and for shipping. Packing of roll stock is often provided viatiers of rolls. Once method of storing and shipping roll stock involvessecurely locating such rolls in a horizontal configuration abovepallets. In order to safely and securely stabilize and supportcylindrical or tubular rolls in a horizontal position, stacking supportshave often been employed.

In the field of roll supports, there still remains a need for animproved roll stacker design which can be manufactured utilizing amaterial that minimizes the storage space requirements of roll supports,so as to free up warehouse space. Further, a strong, weather-proof,preferably recyclable material that can be utilized in the production ofcompactly stackable roll supports is desirable. Finally, it would bedesirable to provide a roll support design that assures that when rollsupports are used in a “back-to-back” configuration, such roll supportscan be secured each to the other to provide a reliable, securable,stackable configuration.

Especially when securing multiple roll stock pieces in a horizontalfashion, it would be a distinct and important improvement to provideroll supports that are quickly and easily secured each to the other, sothat adjacent upper and lower roll supports are effectively preventedfrom slipping apart. Thus, the important advantages of a roll supportproduct providing such desirable features in a workable roll supportcradle design can be readily appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation ofthe invention, and of the novel features and the advantages thereof,attention is directed to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll support, shown in a workingarrangement for use as a lower roll support as if on a shipping pallet.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an embodiment for a roll support of thetype just illustrated in FIG. 1, now more clearly showing the use of alocking tab and a tab accepting notch, which components when used onopposing roll supports, provide a quick, manually implemental interlocktherebetween.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view, showing two roll support cradles placedin a back-to-back configuration, wherein the locking tab in each rollsupport cradle is snapped into place in a tab accepting notch in theopposing roll support cradle.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view, illustrating the use ofregistration knobs and matching registration indentations to line upopposing roll support cradles, so that a locking tab can be snapped intoa tab accepting notch.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view, similar to that just provided inFIG. 4, but now showing that the adjacent roll support cradles have beenbrought into contact each with the other and that the ear portions oneach side of the locking tab have been snapped into locking engagementwith the ledge portions on each side of the tab accepting notch, so thatthe adjacent roll support cradles are secured each to the other.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view, similar to that first shown inFIG. 3 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocked pairof roll cradles, and illustrating that on one side, the locking tab maybe provided so that the ear portions of the locking tab snap into placebelow the ledge portions on each side of the tab accepting notch.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view, similar to that first provided inFIG. 4 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocking pairof roll cradles, and illustrating that on one side, the locking tab maybe provided above the tab accepting notch, so that the ear portions ofthe locking tab snap into locking engagement below the ledge portions ofthe tab accepting notch.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, similar to that first provided inFIG. 5 above, but now showing the opposite side of the interlocking pairof roll cradles, and illustrating that on once side, the locking tab maybe provided above the tab accepting notch, so that the ear portions ofthe locking tab snap into locking engagement below the ledge portions ofthe tab accepting notch.

FIG. 9 is a partially expanded perspective view, showing multiplevertical tiers of roll stock placed on a pallet for shipping, using“back-to-back” roll cradles, one upward facing and one downward facing,which have been locked together using the roll cradle lockingconfiguration disclosed and claimed herein.

The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elementsthat may be present or omitted from actual implementations dependingupon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures ina way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant foran understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of theinvention. However, various other elements of a roll cradle with lockingtabs, especially as applied for different variations of the functionalcomponents illustrated, as well as different renditions of artisticaspects of such functional components, may be utilized in order toprovide a robust roll cradle design with secure interlocking tabs.Further, various features, including optional or alternate features, maybe utilized in order to provide a compact, efficiently nestable,reliable structural material for a roll stacking support with lockingtabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a roll support 20 isprovided. In addition to the embodiment provided in FIG. 1, in otherembodiments, such roll supports 20 may generally utilize, at least inpart, configurations as described in detail in several of my earlierpatents, namely (a) U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,034, issued Nov. 27, 2001, (b)U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,839, issued Apr. 3, 2001, and (c) U.S. Pat. No.6,474,613 B2, issued Nov. 5, 2002, the disclosures of each of which areincorporated into this detailed description in their entirety by thisreference.

As better appreciated by reference to FIG. 9, roll supports 20 aredesigned for receiving and supporting stacked tiers of tubular orcylindrical roll stock 22. When used singularly, a roll support 20 _(A)can be placed below a first tier T₁ (for example, rolls 22 ₁ and 22 ₂ ofroll stock 22) when such first tier T₁ of roll stock 22 is placed on apallet 24 for shipment. When multiple tiers of roll stock 22, forexample, T₁, and T₂ (for example, rolls 22 ₃ and 22 ₄) as illustrated inFIG. 9, are placed on a pallet 24 for shipping, then “back-to-back” rollsupports 20 _(A) and 20 _(B) may be utilized between tiers of rollstock, such as between tier T₁ and tier T₂. Another embodiment for thecommonly encountered use of a plurality of roll support in such fashionmay be seen in FIG. 1 of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,613 B2, just notedabove, where a roll support is provided to support up to four rolls,horizontally, and may be stacked, for example, three tiers high, ormore.

Roll supports 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be manufactured in standalone, nestable and stackable units. This allows for compact nesting,which thus allows compact storage of roll supports after theirmanufacture and before their use to support roll stock. In order to takemaximum advantage of this quality of the roll supports disclosed herein,roll supports 20 can be manufactured from a strong, flexible, resinousplastic polymeric material. Resinous plastics which may be utilized forthe roll support 20 include high-density polymers that produce a strong,yet flexible final product. A resinous plastic polymer material that canbe thermoformed can be utilized to provide a desired final shape for asuitable roll support apparatus 20. On suitable resinous plasticmaterial found to be useful is polyethylene terephthalate material,commonly known by the abbreviation “PET”. Instead of providing acushioning support, as would be desired when protecting a fragilearticle such as glass, or light bulbs or the like, roll supports 20 formost roll stock applications must be strong and resistant todeformation. Such applications are ideal for PET, since PET resin formsa high strength product with good strength in all directions. Also, manybusinesses now prefer that materials be manufactured from recycledmaterials. The disclosed roll supports 20 are easily fabricated fromrecycled plastic materials. In the manufacture of roll supports,suitable recycled plastics are relatively easy to reprocess. PET, aswith a great variety of plastic materials, is initially segregated attime of disposal, after which it is typically kept clean and uniformduring the entire recycling process. This process substantially enhancesthe likelihood of retaining desirable material properties in a finishedroll support made from recycled materials.

Another important property which is achieved by the use of PET is that asingle roll support 20 can easily be stacked over another roll support20 with only a slight increase in height. As shown in FIG. 1, thethickness T of the roll support can be as little as from approximately40 Mils to approximately 60 Mils (or from about 0.04 inches to about0.06 inches). In one embodiment, the thickness T can be limited to notexceed the lower end of this range, or 40 Mils (0.040 inches). Thus,with such manufactured thickness, roll supports 20 may be stacked fromapproximately 16 per inch, to about 20 per inch, and even up to as denseas about 26 per inch. Of course, it is desirable from a storage andnesting perspective that thicknesses be provided which occur at thelower end of the stated thickness range. This very small thickness, whennested, is a significant advantage over roll supports that utilize othermaterials of construction. The nesting compactness just mentionedprovides a substantial and significant savings in shipping and storagespace, as compared to prior art papier-mâché or other foam or plasticmaterials. Thus, it is important to note that warehouse space saved inthe storage of nested and still unused roll supports can be allotted toother storage needs. Alternatively, the saved storage or shipping spacecan be used to store or transport additional roll supports and allow thepurchase of higher quantities to realize bulk rate cost savings andsubstantially reduce freight costs.

Attention is again directed to FIG. 1, wherein one embodiment for a rollsupport 20 for receiving and supporting two or more pieces of roll stock22 is illustrated. The roll support 20 includes a base 30, which extendsalong a longitudinal axis indicated by centerline 32. The base 30includes laterally spaced apart first 34 and second 36 foot portions.Also, base 30 includes first 38 and second 40 end portions, as well asone or more interior portions 42.

As indicated in FIG. 3, a plurality of roll support cradle portions 44are provided. Each of the roll support cradle portions 44 include anoutward surface 46 shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selecteddimensions adapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock 22 ofsubstantially complementary shape. Also, the roll support cradleportions 44 have a first outer end 50 and a second outer end 52. A firstend wall portion 54 and a second end wall portion 56 are provided. Thefirst end wall portion 54 and the second end wall portion 56 extend fromthe base 30 to the first outer end 50 and the second outer end 52 of theroll support cradle portion 44. Opposing sidewall portions 60 and 62 areprovided for each one of the plurality of roll support cradle portions44. Each of the opposing sidewall portions 60 and 62 are sloped inwardlytoward centerline 32 and outwardly from said base 30 and thus toward,and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion 44.

Along the first foot portion 34 of the base 30, at least one locking tab64 is provided. Shaped in a cooperative working fashion with tab 64, atleast one notch 66 defined by edgewall portions 68 is provided. As moreclearly seen in FIG. 2, the notch 66 in second foot portion 36 isdefined by edgewall portions 68 to provide an outwardly opening notch66. The outwardly opening notch 66 includes first 70 and second 72 neckportions. The first 70 and second 72 neck portions provide an inwardlyprojecting area tending to narrow, along a selected notch edgewallportion, at least some of the outwardly opening notch 66. Overall, thenotch 66 is formed in the second foot portion 36 in a manner that in theregion of notch 66, the second foot portion 36 has an inner end 74, andthe notch edgewall portion 68 includes a proximal edge 76 that isadjacent the inner end 74. Thus, the notch 66 is, in one embodiment,formed in a generally hour-glass shaped opening having a top and anarrowed neck, wherein the proximal edge 76 provides the top of thegenerally hour-glass shape, wherein the first 70 and second 72 notchneck portions cooperate to provide the narrowed neck portion of thehour-glass shape. Overall, the first 70 and second 72 neck portions aresized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with one of theat least one tabs 64.

Tabs 64 are configured as a laterally extending flap having a body 80that extends from a connection end 82 to an outer end 84. The tabs 64extend stiffly from the connection end 82 to the outer end 84. However,to provide a manually interlockable method of joining a first and asecond support apparatus together to form an intermediate roll supportunit 20 _(C), seen in FIG. 3, or as further noted in FIG. 9, the tab 64is at least slightly moveable by pivoting such as is indicated byreference arrows 86 and 88 in FIG. 4, by pivot motion of the outer end84 with respect to the connection end 82.

In one embodiment the tabs 64 include first 90 and second 92 earportions. The first 90 and second 92 ear portions located atlongitudinally spaced apart locations on the body 80 of tabs 64. In oneembodiment, the first 90 and second 92 ear portions extend stiffly fromthe body 80 along a common plane. However, the first 90 and second 92ear portions are at least slightly displaceable above and below thecommon plane, which common plane may, in one embodiment, be defined bythe plane of the first foot portion 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an intermediate support apparatus 20 _(C) maybe provided for location between two or more lower (T₁) and two or moreupper (T₂) pieces of roll stock 22. Such an intermediate roll supportapparatus is configured by joining, in secure interlocking relationship,a first support apparatus 20 _(A) and a second support apparatus 20_(B). In such a design, the first support apparatus 20 _(A) and thesecond support apparatus 20 _(B) are each sized and shaped forcomplementary back-to-back interlocking engagement. At least one of theat least one locking tabs 64 on the first support apparatus 20 _(A) isattached to at least one of the at least one notches 66 in the secondsupport apparatus 20 _(B). Also, at least one of the at least onelocking tabs 64 on the second support apparatus 20 _(B) is attached toat least one of the at least one notches 66 in the first supportapparatus 20 _(A). The stiffness of the selected material of manufactureshould allow the tab 64 to snap fit into notch 66, by interferencebetween neck portion 70 and ear 70, and between neck portion 72 and ear92.

As is noted in FIG. 3, the roll support cradle portions 46 may, in oneembodiment, be slightly spaced apart from the base 30. However, by usingthe materials of construction described herein above, the verticalstacking space taken up by the roll support 20 is minimized, since theroll support cradle portion 46 may be vertically spaced apart from theupper surface 30 _(U) of base 30 by a distance V of as little as about0.25 inches.

For ease of manufacture, each of the opposing sidewall portions 60 and62 may be angled outward away from the base 30 and inward toward thelongitudinal centerline of the roll support 20 at an angle sigma (Σ) ofabout 20 degrees (see FIG. 8) with respect to a plane 96 perpendicularto said first base. Further, to strengthen the roll supports 20, thefirst end wall portion 54 may further include a plurality ofstrengthening flutes 98. In one embodiment, the strengthening flutes 98are configured as a long, rounded groove in the first end wall portion54. As illustrated in FIG. 1, three strengthening flutes 98 are providedin the first end wall portion 54. Likewise, the second end wall portionfurther 56 may include a plurality of strengthening flutes 102, as seenin FIG. 2. Each of the strengthening flutes 102 may, in one embodiment,comprise a long, rounded groove in the second end wall portion 56. Asillustrated for the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, three strengtheningflutes 102 are provided in the second end wall portion 56.

As also seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, one or morestrengthening ridges 104 may be provided. The one or more strengtheningridges 104 extend between the second end wall portions 56 of adjacentroll support cradle portions 44. As illustrated in FIG. 2, at least twostrengthening ridges may be provided between the second end wallportions 56 of adjacent roll support cradle portions 44.

When roll supports 20 _(A) and 20 _(B) are joined in interlockingfashion to provide an intermediate roll support apparatus 20 _(C), inone embodiment it has been found useful to provide sets of registrationlocks that are sized and shaped for reliably and securely positioningroll supports 20 _(A) and 20 _(B) in back-to-back mating engagement. Insuch embodiments, the base 30 further comprises, along the first footportion 34, a first set of registration locks 110. Similarly, the base30 further comprises, along second foot portion 36, a second set ofregistration locks 112. As illustrated, complementary thimble shapeddimples may be adequate to accomplish the desired registration lockinterface. Note that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, alongfirst foot portion 34 adjacent or toward first end 38, registrationlocks 110U are provided in an downward manner, extending below base 30,and along first portion 34 adjacent or toward second end 40,registration locks 110M are provided in an upward configuration,extending above base 30. Similarly, but in a fashion for complimentarymating engagement when duplicate roll supports 20 are turned forback-to-back assembly, along the second foot portion 36 adjacent ortoward first end 38, registration locks 110M are provided in an upwardconfiguration, extending above base 30, and along first portion 34adjacent or toward second end 40, registration locks 110U are providedin an downward manner, extending below base 30,

A method providing intermediate roll stocking supports 20 _(C) may bepracticed by providing a first support apparatus 20 _(A), providing asecond support apparatus 20 _(B), and then interlocking the firstsupport apparatus 20 _(A) with the second support apparatus 20 _(B).This may be accomplished by (1) engaging at least some of the at leastone or more tabs 64 in the first support apparatus 20 _(A) with at leastone of the one or more notches 66 in the second support apparatus 20_(B), then (2) engaging at least some of the at least one or more tabs64 in the second support apparatus 20 _(B) with at least one of the oneor more notches 66 in the first support apparatus 20 _(A). Then, byinterfittingly registering in mating engagement the first set 110 andthe second set 112 of registration locks in the first support apparatus20 _(A) with the first set 110 and the second set 112 of registrationlocks in the second support apparatus 20 _(B). Overall, interlocking thefirst support apparatus 20 _(A) with the second support apparatus 20_(B), and interfittingly registering the sets 110 and 112 ofregistration locks, forms an intermediate roll stocking support 20 _(C)in a back-to-back, stable interlocked configuration.

It is to be appreciated that the various aspects and embodiments of aroll cradle with locking tabs and registration locks as described hereinis an important improvement in the state of the art. The locking tab forroll cradle just described herein is simple, robust, reliable, andsusceptible to use whenever roll cradles are employed in a back-to-backconfiguration. Although only a few exemplary embodiments have beendescribed in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in thedrawings and in the specification provided herein to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which neednot be further described by additional writing in this detaileddescription.

Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed hereinmay be modified from those shown without materially departing from thenovel teachings and advantages provided by this invention, and may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments presentedherein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover thestructures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof,but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teachings.

1. A support apparatus for receiving and supporting two or more piecesof roll stock, said support apparatus comprising: (a) a base, said baseextending along a longitudinal axis and having laterally spaced apartfirst and second foot portions; first and second end portions, and oneor more interior portions; (b) a plurality of roll support cradleportions, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising (i) anoutward surface shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensionsadapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock of substantiallycomplementary shape, each of said roll support cradle portionscomprising a first outer end and a second outer end, (ii) a first endwall portion, and a second end wall portion, said first end wall portionand said second end wall portions extending from said base to said firstouter end and said second outer end of said roll support cradleportions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, said opposing side wallportions provided for each of said plurality of roll support cradleportions, each of said opposing sidewall portions sloping inwardly withrespect to said longitudinal axis and outwardly from said base toward,and supporting, the companion roll support cradle portion; (c) said basefurther comprising, along said first foot portion, at least one lockingtab and a first set of registration locks, and along said second footportion, at least one notch defined by notch edgewall portions, and asecond set of registration locks.
 2. The support apparatus as set forthin claim 1, wherein said notch edgewall portions define, in said secondfoot portion, an outwardly opening notch.
 3. The support apparatus asset forth in claim 2, wherein said outwardly opening notch comprisesfirst and second notch neck portions, said first and second notch neckpotions sized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with atleast one of said at least one tabs.
 4. The support apparatus as setforth in claim 3, wherein said first and second notch neck portions eachcomprise projections tending to narrow, along a selected notch edgewallportion, at least some of said outwardly opening notch.
 5. The supportapparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said second foot portioncomprises an inner end, and wherein said notch edgewall portioncomprises a proximal edge adjacent said inner end.
 6. The supportapparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said notch comprises agenerally hour-glass shaped opening having a top and a narrowed neck,said proximal edge providing the top of said generally hour-glass shape,and said first and second notch neck portions cooperating to provide thenarrowed neck portion.
 7. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1,wherein said tab comprises a laterally extending flap having aconnection end, an outer end, and a body therebetween.
 8. The supportapparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said tab extends stiffly fromsaid connection end to said outer end, and wherein said tab is at leastslightly moveable by pivoting action along said connection end.
 9. Thesupport apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said tab comprisesfirst and second ear portions, said first and second ear portionslocated at longitudinally spaced apart locations on said body
 10. Thesupport apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first and secondear portions extend stiffly from said body along a common plane, butwherein said first and second ear portions are at least slightlydisplaceable from said common plane.
 11. An intermediate supportapparatus for location between two or more lower and two or more upperpieces of roll stock, said intermediate support apparatus comprising: afirst support apparatus and a second support apparatus, said firstsupport apparatus and said second support apparatus each sized andshaped for complementary back-to-back interlocking engagement, whereineach of said first and second support apparatus comprises a base, saidbase extending along a longitudinal axis and having laterally spacedapart first and second foot portions; first and second end portions, andone or more interior portions; a plurality of roll support cradleportions, each of said roll support cradle portions comprising (i) anoutward surface shaped as an arcuate segment of pre-selected dimensionsadapted for securely receiving a piece of roll stock of substantiallycomplementary shape, each of said roll support cradle portionscomprising a first outer end and a second outer end, (ii) a first endwall portion, and a second end wall portion, said first end wall portionand said second end wall portions extending from said base to said firstouter end and said second outer end of said roll support cradleportions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, said opposing side wallportions provided for each of said plurality of roll support cradleportions, each of said opposing sidewall portions sloping inwardly andoutwardly from said base toward, and supporting, the companion rollsupport cradle portion; said base further comprising, along said firstfoot portion, at least one locking tab, and along said second footportion, at least one notch defined by notch edgewall portions. andwherein at least one of said at least one locking tab on said firstsupport apparatus is attached to at least one of said at least one notchin said second support apparatus, and wherein at least one of said atleast one locking tab on said second support apparatus is attached to atleast one of said at least one notch in said first support apparatus 12.The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, whereinsaid notch edgewall portions define, in said second foot portion, anoutwardly opening notch.
 13. The intermediate support apparatus as setforth in claim 12, wherein said outwardly opening notch comprises firstand second notch neck portions, said first and second notch neck potionssized and shaped for interlocking detachable engagement with at leastone of said at least one tabs.
 14. The intermediate support apparatus asset forth in claim 13, wherein said first and second notch neck portionseach comprise projections tending to narrow, along a selected notchedgewall portion, at least some of said outwardly opening notch.
 15. Theintermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein saidsecond foot portion comprises an inner end, and wherein said notchedgewall portion comprises a proximal edge adjacent said inner end. 16.The intermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 15, whereinsaid notch comprises a generally hour-glass shaped opening having a topand a narrowed neck, said proximal edge providing the top of saidgenerally hour-glass shape, and said first and second notch neckportions cooperating to provide the narrowed neck portion.
 17. Theintermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein each ofsaid at least one tabs in said first support apparatus and in saidsecond support apparatus comprises a laterally extending flap having abase, an outer end, and a body therebetween.
 18. The intermediatesupport apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said atleast one tabs in said first support apparatus and in said secondsupport apparatus extends stiffly from said base to said outer end, andwherein each of said at least one tabs is at least slightly moveable bypivoting action along said base.
 19. The intermediate support apparatusas set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said at least one tabs in saidfirst support apparatus and in said second support apparatus comprisesfirst and second ear portions, said first and second ear portionslocated at longitudinally spaced apart locations on said body
 20. Theintermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein saidfirst and second ear portions extend stiffly from said body along acommon plane, but wherein said first and second ear portions are atleast slightly displaceable from said common plane.
 21. The supportapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said roll supportcradle portions comprises a bottom portion, and wherein said bottomportion is spaced apart from said base.
 22. The support apparatus as setforth in claim 21, wherein said bottom portion of said roll supportcradle portion is spaced apart from said base by about 0.25 inches. 23.The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of saidopposing sidewall portions is angled outward and inward at an anglesigma (Σ) of about 20 degrees, with respect to a plane perpendicular tosaid first base.
 24. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1,wherein said first end wall portion further comprises a plurality ofstrengthening flutes.
 25. The support apparatus as set forth in claim24, wherein strengthening flutes comprise a long, rounded groove in saidfirst end wall portion.
 26. The support apparatus as set forth in claim25, wherein three flutes are provided in said first end wall portion.27. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said secondend wall portion further comprises a plurality of strengthening flutes.28. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein saidstrengthening flutes each comprise a long, rounded groove in said secondend wall portion.
 29. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 28,wherein three flutes are provided in said second end wall portion. 30.The support apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising one ormore strengthening ridges, said one or more strengthening ridgesextending between the second end wall portions of adjacent roll supportcradle portions.
 31. The support apparatus as set forth in claim 30,wherein at least two strengthening ridges are provided.
 32. Theintermediate support apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein saidfirst and said second support apparatus each comprises a strong,flexible plastic material.
 33. The intermediate support apparatus as setforth in claim 32, wherein said plastic material comprises polyethyleneterephthalate.
 34. The intermediate support apparatus as set forth inclaim 20, wherein said first and said second support apparatus comprisesa thermoformed solid.
 35. A support apparatus for receiving andsupporting two or more pieces of roll stock, said support apparatuscomprising: (a) a base, said base extending along a longitudinal axisand having laterally spaced apart first and second foot portions; firstand second end portions, and one or more interior portions; (b) aplurality of roll support cradle portions, each of said roll supportcradle portions comprising (i) an outward surface shaped as an arcuatesegment of pre-selected dimensions adapted for securely receiving apiece of roll stock of substantially complementary shape, each of saidroll support cradle portions comprising a first outer end and a secondouter end, (ii) a first end wall portion, and a second end wall portion,said first end wall portion and said second end wall portions extendingfrom said base to said first outer end and said second outer end of saidroll support cradle portions; and (iv) opposing sidewall portions, saidopposing side wall portions provided for each of said plurality of rollsupport cradle portions, each of said opposing sidewall portions slopinginwardly and outwardly from said base toward, and supporting, thecompanion roll support cradle portion; (c) said base further comprising,along said first foot portion (i) at least one locking tab, each of saidat least one locking tabs comprising a stiff laterally extending flapportion having a connection end, an outer end, and a body therebetween,said at least one locking tab at least slightly moveable by pivotingaction along said connection end, each of said at least one locking tabscomprising first and second ear portions, said first and second earportions extending stiffly from said body along, but slightlydisplaceable from, a common plane, and located at longitudinally spacedapart locations on said body, and (ii) a first set of registrationlocks; and (d) said base further comprising along said second footportion, (i) at least one outwardly opening generally hour glass shapednotch defined by notch edgewall portions including flexible neckportions, and (ii) a second set of registration locks.
 36. A method forproviding intermediate roll stocking supports, said method comprising:providing a first support apparatus as set forth in claim 35, providinga second support apparatus as set forth in claim 35, interlocking saidfirst support apparatus with said second support apparatus by engagingat least some of said at least one or more tabs in said first supportapparatus with at least one of said one or more notches in said secondsupport apparatus, and engaging at least some of said at least one ormore tabs in said second support apparatus with at least one of said oneor more notches in said first support apparatus; and interfittinglyregistering said first set and said second set of registration locks insaid first support apparatus with said first set and said second set ofregistration locks in said second support apparatus; whereininterlocking said first support apparatus with said second supportapparatus, and interfittingly registering said sets of registrationlocks, forms an intermediate roll stocking support in a back-to-back,stable interlocked configuration.